ihg data security settlement
In today’s digital age, data security has become a major concern for both individuals and businesses alike. With the rise of cyber attacks and data breaches, protecting sensitive information has become more crucial than ever before. One such instance of a data security incident was the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) data breach that occurred in 2016. This incident not only affected millions of customers but also resulted in a major settlement that was made public in 2018. In this article, we will delve into the details of the IHG data security settlement and its implications on the hospitality industry.
To understand the magnitude of the IHG data breach, it is important to first understand the company itself. IHG is a multinational hospitality company that owns and manages over 5,500 hotels across the globe. These include popular brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental Hotels. In 2016, the company became aware of unauthorized access to payment card data at some of its franchisee-operated hotels in the United States. This data breach affected guests who used their credit or debit cards at these hotels between September 29, 2016, and December 29, 2016.
The breach was caused by malware that was installed on the front desk payment system at the affected hotels. This malware was designed to steal sensitive information such as names, credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, and verification codes. In total, it is estimated that over 1,200 IHG franchisee-operated properties were affected by this data breach, compromising the personal information of millions of guests.
As soon as IHG became aware of the breach, they launched an investigation and worked with third-party forensic experts to identify the scope of the incident. They also immediately took steps to contain the malware and prevent any further unauthorized access. However, the damage had already been done, and IHG was faced with the daunting task of informing their customers about the breach and mitigating its impact.
In response to the data breach, IHG offered affected guests free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for 12 months. They also set up a dedicated call center to assist guests with any concerns or questions they may have had regarding the incident. However, this was not enough to appease the customers who were affected by the breach. As a result, multiple class-action lawsuits were filed against IHG, alleging negligence and failure to adequately protect customer data.
After two years of litigation, IHG reached a preliminary settlement with the plaintiffs in 2018. The proposed settlement included a payment of $1.6 million to cover the costs of the credit monitoring and identity theft protection services that were offered to affected guests. Additionally, IHG agreed to pay up to $29 million in damages to the class members who could provide documentation of fraudulent charges on their credit or debit cards. This amount was to be paid on a pro-rata basis, depending on the number of valid claims received.
Apart from the monetary compensation, the settlement also required IHG to implement additional security measures to prevent future data breaches. These measures included conducting regular security assessments at all franchisee-operated properties, implementing industry-standard encryption protocols, and providing franchisees with security training and support. Furthermore, IHG was required to appoint a chief information security officer to oversee the company’s data security practices and report to the board of directors.
The proposed settlement was approved by a federal judge in December 2018, and IHG began the process of notifying potential class members about their eligibility to file a claim. The deadline for filing a claim was June 28, 2019, and over 1.2 million potential class members were notified about the settlement. However, the response from the affected guests was not as expected. Only a fraction of the potential class members filed a claim, resulting in the actual payout being significantly lower than the agreed amount.
The IHG data security settlement has raised several concerns about the state of data security in the hospitality industry. With the rise of online booking and payment systems, hotels have become prime targets for cybercriminals. And the consequences of a data breach can be severe, not just in terms of financial losses, but also the loss of trust and reputation. In the case of IHG, the breach not only affected the company’s bottom line but also damaged its brand image.
To prevent such incidents in the future, it is imperative for the hospitality industry to prioritize data security. This includes implementing robust security measures, regularly conducting security audits, and providing adequate training to employees. Additionally, companies should have a solid incident response plan in place to minimize the impact of a data breach and ensure timely communication with affected parties.
Furthermore, customers should also take steps to protect their personal information when making online transactions. This includes using secure payment methods, regularly monitoring their credit and debit card statements, and being cautious of suspicious emails or phone calls asking for personal information.
In conclusion, the IHG data security settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of data security in today’s digital landscape. The incident not only highlighted the vulnerabilities in the hospitality industry but also the need for stronger data protection measures. It is crucial for both businesses and individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks. Only then can we hope to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
gang stalking program
The term “gang stalking program” is one that has been gaining attention in recent years, with individuals claiming to be victims of organized harassment and surveillance by groups of people. This phenomenon, also known as “organized stalking” or “community-based harassment,” has sparked debate and controversy over its existence and purpose. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of gang stalking, its alleged tactics, and the controversial theories surrounding its existence.
Gang stalking, also known as “group stalking” or “mob stalking,” is described as a form of harassment in which a group of individuals target and stalk a specific person. The goal of this group is said to be to intimidate and control the victim, causing them to feel isolated, paranoid, and helpless. This type of stalking is claimed to be organized and carried out by a network of individuals, often with no direct relation to each other, but with a shared agenda to harass the victim.
One of the most controversial aspects of the gang stalking program is the alleged use of advanced surveillance technology. Many victims report being under constant surveillance, with their phone calls, emails, and even their thoughts being monitored. Some even claim to have been implanted with microchips to track their movements and thoughts. While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, many victims believe that the perpetrators have access to highly advanced technology that allows them to carry out their stalking tactics.
The tactics used in gang stalking are said to be carefully planned and coordinated, with the goal of causing maximum psychological distress to the victim. These tactics can include following the victim, vandalizing their property, spreading rumors and lies about them, and even physically assaulting them. The goal of these tactics is to isolate the victim and make them question their own sanity, as well as to destroy their reputation and credibility.
One theory surrounding the existence of gang stalking is that it is a form of psychological warfare carried out by government agencies or organizations. This theory suggests that the victims are targeted because they are seen as a threat to the government or some other powerful entity. It is believed that the perpetrators use tactics such as gaslighting and other forms of psychological manipulation to make the victim appear mentally unstable and discredit their claims.
Another theory is that gang stalking is a form of cult-like behavior, where the perpetrators are part of a larger group with a shared belief system. This theory suggests that the perpetrators see themselves as vigilantes, carrying out their own form of justice against those they deem as deserving of punishment. This could be based on a shared ideology or even a personal vendetta against the victim.
The controversy surrounding the existence of gang stalking has led to much skepticism and criticism. Many experts in the field of psychology and law enforcement have dismissed the claims of gang stalking as delusional thinking or paranoia. They argue that there is no evidence to support the use of advanced technology or the coordination of a large group of individuals to carry out such a complex and covert operation.
However, there are also those who believe that gang stalking is a real phenomenon and that the victims are not suffering from mental illness. They argue that there is too much evidence and too many similar stories from different individuals for it to be dismissed as mere delusions. They also point out that there have been documented cases of organized harassment and stalking by groups, such as in cases of workplace bullying or cyberbullying.
So, what is the truth behind the gang stalking program? The answer is not clear-cut and continues to be a subject of debate. While there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a coordinated gang stalking program, there are also many unanswered questions and unexplained incidents that cannot be ignored.
In conclusion, the concept of gang stalking program is a complex and controversial one. While some dismiss it as a form of delusion or paranoia, others believe that there is more to it than meets the eye. The victims of gang stalking deserve to have their claims taken seriously and to be heard, while further research and investigation are needed to determine the truth behind this phenomenon.
delete account from chromebook
In today’s digital age, many of us rely heavily on our devices for both personal and professional use. chromebook -parental-controls”>Chromebook s have become a popular choice for their lightweight design, speedy performance, and affordable price. However, as with any device, there may come a time when you need to delete your account from your Chromebook. Whether you are selling your device or simply want to start fresh, knowing how to properly delete your account from a Chromebook is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to do so, including the potential consequences and alternative options.
Before we dive into the process of deleting your account from a Chromebook, it is important to understand what exactly happens when you do so. Essentially, deleting your account means that all your data, settings, and preferences will be erased from the Chromebook. This includes your browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords, and any other personal information that is associated with your account. Additionally, all the apps and extensions that you have downloaded will be removed. Therefore, it is crucial to backup any important data before proceeding with the deletion process.
Now, let’s take a look at the steps to delete your account from a Chromebook. The process may vary slightly depending on the model of your Chromebook and the version of Chrome OS you are using, but the general steps remain the same.
Step 1: Sign out of your account
The first step is to sign out of your account on the Chromebook. To do this, click on the account icon located in the bottom right corner of the screen. From the drop-down menu, click on “Sign out”. This will ensure that you are not currently logged into your account when you start the deletion process.
Step 2: Factory reset your Chromebook
Next, you will need to factory reset your Chromebook. This will erase all the data and settings on your device, essentially restoring it to its original state when you first purchased it. To do this, go to the settings menu by clicking on the account icon and selecting “Settings”. Then, click on “Advanced” at the bottom of the page and select “Powerwash”. A confirmation window will appear, click on “Restart” to proceed.
Step 3: Log in as a guest
After your Chromebook has restarted, you will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. Instead, click on “Browse as Guest”. This will allow you to access the Chromebook without being logged into any account.
Step 4: Delete your account
Now, you can delete your account from the Chromebook. Click on the account icon in the bottom right corner and select “Manage accounts”. This will take you to the “People” page where you can see all the accounts currently associated with the Chromebook. Click on the account you want to delete and then click on the “Remove this person” option. A confirmation window will appear, click on “Remove this user” to proceed.
Step 5: Repeat the process for other accounts
If you have multiple accounts associated with your Chromebook, you will need to repeat the above steps for each account. Keep in mind that you can only delete accounts that are not currently signed in. If you want to delete the account you are currently signed into, you will need to log out and sign in as a guest again.
Step 6: Perform a final factory reset
To ensure that all the data and settings are completely erased from your Chromebook, it is recommended to perform one final factory reset. This can be done by going to the settings menu, clicking on “Advanced”, and selecting “Powerwash” once again. This will take a few minutes to complete, and your Chromebook will restart once it is done.
Congratulations! You have successfully deleted your account from your Chromebook. However, before you hand over your device to someone else, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, deleting your account from a Chromebook does not necessarily mean that all your data is completely gone. Google stores some of your data on its servers, such as your browsing history and bookmarks. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps provided by Google to completely erase your data from their servers.
Secondly, deleting your account from a Chromebook will also remove your access to any Google services, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. If you have any important data stored on these services, make sure to download or transfer them to a different account before you delete your account from the Chromebook.
Lastly, if you are planning to sell or give away your Chromebook, it is important to inform the new owner that they will need to create their own account to use the device. They will not be able to access any of the data or settings from your deleted account.
In conclusion, deleting your account from a Chromebook is a simple process that only requires a few steps. However, it is important to remember the potential consequences and to take the necessary precautions before proceeding with the deletion. If you are not comfortable with completely erasing your data, there are alternative options such as creating a new account or simply signing out of your current account. Whichever option you choose, make sure to backup any important data and follow the necessary steps to ensure the security of your information.